On National Tell a Story Day it would’ve been quite easy to rave about the classics we grew up with. Whether it be how Bella met Edward, Harry’s first time at Hogwarts or even Peter Parker transforming into Spiderman. The thing is: we know these stories already. They’re attached to some of our fondest memories and nothing can ever change that. However, on this day we can shed a light on the stories of those often unheard and under-appreciated. Today, I’ll be shedding light on Deborah Feldman’s captivating memoir Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots and the bravery within her story.
Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots depicts the story of how Deborah broke free from her strict religious community to find a new life in Berlin with her son. At the age of 23, in an unhappy arranged marriage, Deborah knew she didn’t fit in and the unrelenting rules within her community forced her to look at other options. The official description, given by the publisher, about Feldman’s experience sheds a light on the memoir’s captivating story:
Deborah grew up under a code of relentlessly enforced customs governing everything from what she could wear and to whom she could speak to what she was allowed to read. It was stolen moments spent with the empowered literary characters of Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott that helped her to imagine an alternative way of life. Trapped as a teenager in a sexually and emotionally dysfunctional marriage to a man she barely knew, the tension between Deborah’s desires and her responsibilities as a good Satmar girl grew more explosive until she gave birth at nineteen and realized that, for the sake of herself and her son, she had to escape.
What makes Deborah’s story remarkable is that she defied all the odds and fought for her happiness. Although Feldman’s story is captivating, it’s not unheard of; there are many individuals who can relate to her, especially from similar communities, and her powerful piece is amplifying their voices. Netflix turned Feldman’s memoir into a limited series and it’s nothing short of brilliant. I watched Unorthodox in one weekend; it made me feel for Esther and gave those outside of the Hasidic Jewish community a rare glimpse inside.
Let’s remember that many within marginalized groups have amazing stories to tell, and if we’re not careful we’ll miss them. So on Tell a Story Day especially, let’s listen to those who are constantly pushed aside; you might be surprised by the tales they’ll tell!
feature image via netflix
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